Because property taxes get levied by counties, cities and special tax districts, one tax rate does not apply for an entire state. Learn what the average was for your state to put into context when filling out your 2012 IRS forms. If you need help with your taxes this year, use DexKnows listings to find a certified public accountant, as well as Tax Calculator, TaxSlayer and other online tax tools.

Average Property Taxes by State

TaxFoundation.org compiled property taxes throughout the United States for a three-year period ending in 2009, allowing taxpayers to see average property taxes by county. Tax-Rates.org then used the information to calculate averages by state. Let’s take a look at the by-state average property tax, based on percentage of home value:

Alabama — 0.33 percent

Alaska — 1.04 percent

Arizona — 0.72 percent

Arkansas — 0.52 percent

California — 0.74 percent

Colorado — 0.6 percent

Connecticut — 1.63 percent

Delaware — 0.43 percent

Florida — 0.97 percent

Georgia — 0.83 percent

Hawaii — 0.26 percent

Idaho — 0.69 percent

Illinois — 1.73 percent

Indiana — 0.85 percent

Iowa — 1.29 percent

Kansas — 1.29 percent

Kentucky — 0.72 percent

Louisiana — 0.18 percent

Maine — 1.09 percent

Maryland — 0.87 percent

Massachusetts — 1.04 percent

Michigan — 1.62 percent

Minnesota — 1.05 percent

Mississippi — 0.52 percent

Missouri — 0.91 percent

Montana — 0.83 percent

Nebraska — 1.76 percent

Nevada — 0.84 percent

New Hampshire — 1.86 percent

New Jersey — 1.89 percent

New Mexico — 0.55 percent

New York — 1.23 percent

North Carolina — 0.78 percent

North Dakota — 1.42 percent

Ohio — 1.36 percent

Oklahoma — 0.74 percent

Oregon — 0.87 percent

Pennsylvania — 1.35 percent

Rhode Island — 1.35 percent

South Carolina — 0.5 percent

South Dakota — 1.28 percent

Tennessee — 0.68 percent

Texas — 1.81 percent

Utah — 0.6 percent

Vermont — 1.59 percent

Virginia — 0.74 percent

Washington — 0.92 percent

West Virginia — 0.49 percent

Wisconsin — 1.76 percent

Wyoming — 0.58 percent

District of Columbia — 0.46 percent

To see the average property tax rate for your particular county, visit TaxFoundation.org.

You can contact the tax assessor or revenue commissioner in your county, as well, for more information about 2012 tax rates and 2013 tax rates for property.

Property Taxes in General

The above rates applied to land and buildings. The state does set a maximum rate on the market value of the property, or a percentage of it, for local assessors to follow. The assessor then determines the value to be taxed.

A variety of property tax credits or homestead exemptions can limit the assessed value of the property. A certified public accountant or online tax tools can help you determine if any credits or exemptions apply to your property, as well as assist you in finding other tax breaks for your real estate. If you don’t yet have an accountant, DexKnows listings can point you to the best in your area.

Pamela Mitchell spent more than 15 years at daily newspapers such as the Hartford Courant and Houston Chronicle before becoming a full-time freelancer. She now writes about a variety of topics, from dining and entertainment to pets and travel.